Perceived Racism and Career Self-Efficacy in African American Adolescents

Abstract

African American adolescents’ perceptions of racism and career self-efficacy relationships are examined. Participants in a southwestern urban high school completed the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure, Racism and Life Experiences Scale-Personal and -Group, and career decision and career task self-efficacy scales. Results indicate that participants who perceived a higher degree of racism against their group reported significantly higher self-efficacy for career decision making but not for career task self-efficacy. An achieved ethnic identity, higher parental socioeconomic status, and being female were related to higher levels of career self-efficacy. The study’s research design supports the need for research with ethnic identity, gender, and the use of multidimensional measurements to achieve a better understanding of racism and career self-efficacy with African American adolescents. Theoretical, research, and programmatic implications are discussed.